Ken Byron Ventures Artifact Blend

Boy was I excited to try this blend after hearing all the hype about Ken Byron's blends. I read the description on the website and I was all in.

Upon opening the bag I was very disappointed, I could immediately tell this tobacco is not what I was anticipating. Its bag note is eerily similar to some of Boswells aromatics. After re-reviewing the description on Ken Website, and not seeing ANYTHING about added toppings or flavorings. So I emailed Ken himself and asked Whats going on here. He said there is a very light dressing applied to enhance the tobaccos flavors. The term "light" as many buzz words used on here are clearly subjective. In my opinion the topping is quite HEAVY.

After a few attempts to enjoy this blend, my verdict could not be swayed. This is a very sugary sweet, fruity blend. Where the topping competes with and at times completely over takes the tobacco flavor. I really wanted to enjoy this blend, but I just cant get past the fact that these fine virginia tobaccos have been ruined by jolly-rancher-esk essence.

While I can not stand aro's, or any blends with jolly-rancher juice on them, it is quite clear a lot of people do. I wont sit here and say this blend is horrible or trash. But I will clearly state that this is NOT a traditional Va-Per blend. More so a training-wheels blend for aro-smokers. If your a fan of overly-sweet blends with a essence of syrup and artificial flavoring give this a whirl. If your of the "No Jolly-Juice" camp such as myself. Id simply state Beware of what you're purchasing, and possibly save your money for something a little more traditional.

2 - stars due to the misleading information provided by the blender.